On November 12, 2009, EPA, the Building Commissioner for the city of Gardner, MA, and a START member conducted a site assessment. It was noted that drums and containers were scattered throughout the basement, first, and second floors of the very deteriorated building. The Commissioner identified the significant structural concerns, i.e., the flooring weaknesses and those paths where it was safe to walk. Due to safety concerns, sampling of the contents of the drums was not possible. Photographs were taken that documented suspected ACM and various drums containing unknown liquids and shrink-wrapped, palletized 5-gallon steel containers labeled as “flammable liquids.” There were numerous open/broken windows on the second floor, boarded windows on the first floor, and broken beams and support columns in the loading dock area. The Inspector pointed out that one second floor section above the loading dock area had been removed after it had collapsed. The START member photographed these unsafe conditions.

The drums and containers need to be removed. Unfortunately due to safety concerns, the building needs to be demolished in order to safely retrieve the hazardous contents.